Find jobs for people living with bipolar disorder

We support job seekers with bipolar disorder

58% of people living with bipolar disorder quit working, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

At APM, we help job seekers living with disability, including mood disorders and mental health conditions, find meaningful work and thrive in the workplace.

Work can be helpful for people living with bipolar disorder as it can;

  • Give you a sense of structure and purpose
  • Reduce feelings of depression
  • Build your confidence

If you’d like to get support on your journey to employment, APM can help!

Check out our advice on finding jobs for people with bipolar disorder below and register to see how we can help you find and keep fulfilling work.


What to look for in a job when you have bipolar disorder

People living with bipolar disorder are capable of finding fulfilling work in a range of different job roles and workplaces.

Symptoms, skills and interests vary from person to person. In your job search, focus on finding a job that enhances your unique strengths and helps you manage your mental health.

While everyone’s experience with bipolar is unique, you may like to consider the following job features:

What workplace environment do you need?

If you are living with bipolar disorder, you may find that high-stress jobs can induce more frequent manic and depressive episodes. This means it may be helpful for you to find work in low-stress environments with supportive co-workers.

What kind of schedule and structure suits you?

According to the International Bipolar Foundation, people with bipolar work best with a regular, stable routine that helps with mood balance. Experts recommend avoiding any shift work or jobs that disrupt a regular sleep pattern.

Do you need flexibility?

If your bipolar disorder symptoms make it difficult to stick to long working hours or a structured work environment, you might prefer a flexible role. A growing number of jobs can be done from home with a flexible schedule and workload.
 



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Some good job ideas for people with bipolar disorder


 

We also know that everyone experiences bipolar disorder differently and so there is no one-size-fits-all list of best jobs for you.

However, here are some ideas to get you thinking about what might work for you.

When looking for the best options for work, you should consider your unique skills, needs and capabilities.

It’s important to remember that the kind of job that is right for one person may not be right for everyone.

Speaking to an Employment Consultant can help you discover other opportunities you may not have considered before, or that may be more suitable specifically for you.

Writer

Technical and copywriters often work from home creating or editing content for businesses, schools and other organisations. If you have a knack with words and want a flexible role, this might be a good fit for you.

Librarian
Web developer
Bookkeeper
Clothes tailor
Massage therapist
Crafts-based jobs
Hair stylist


*Please note that these job suggestions may not be suitable for everyone with bipolar disorder. These job suggestions may suit some people depending on their circumstances including, but not limited to, their current experience with bipolar disorder.

What employment services does APM offer?

APM is Australia's largest provider Disability Employment Services, a government-funded program which helps people living with injury, illness or disability find and keep work.

We can help you with things like:

  • Career advice
  • Finding suitable job opportunities
  • Meeting local employers
  • Writing resumes and job applications
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Accessing training
  • Accessing mental health support
  • Ongoing workplace support
  • Accessing funding for things like uniforms and transport
  • Accessing workplace modifications to help you succeed at work
  • Workplace assessments to help identify what support is right for you

Ready to get started?

Register now to see if you’re eligible for our, Disability Employment Services program and start your employment journey.

FINDING THE RIGHT JOB FOR YOU

Your personal job plan

APM helps job seekers succeed in their search with tailored job support and guidance.

Identify your strengths:

  • Many individuals with bipolar have unique strengths that can be valuable in the workforce. It’s important to identify and communicate these to potential employers.
  • At APM, we have a team of experienced career consultants who can help you to identify your strengths and match them to suitable job opportunities. Strengths can include things like creativity, empathy and perseverance that can be valuable in many roles.
  • Our goal is to help you find a job that suits your skills and interests, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.

Building a job around you:

  • Explore realistic job options where you can succeed
  • Develop a personal strategy that includes job searches, resumes and interviews
  • Discuss your support needs with your employer
  • Look at any requirements for equipment or workplace modifications to help you perform a specific job
  • Consider what support you might need when you start working

4 steps to making a positive change in
your life

When you register with APM, we check your eligibility for the program, and help you get started. We guide you through the Centrelink process and your initial assessment, which decides your capacity for employment and suitability for the program.

STEP 1

Apply online

Register with us, and we'll be in touch in the next couple of days to discuss further.

STEP 2

Schedule appointment

Meet your dedicated employment consultant at your nearest APM office.

 

STEP 3

Talk to us

Discuss your disability or health condition, and employment needs.



 

STEP 4

Get started

Your employment journey begins!




 


WHEN YOU FIND A JOB

Our support doesn’t stop when you start working.

We also want to make sure you and your employer have everything you need to be a success together.

Depending on your level of support and the job you start, we work together to make sure you’re able to work safely and effectively.

This can include helping you access training, job coaching, performance monitoring, and understanding the workplace culture and what is expected from you.

We also support workplaces with proactive education to be aware of any impacts your bipolar disorder may have so we can help avoid any misunderstandings and create a culture of support and inclusion.

If you need ongoing support for long periods of time we will also discuss this with you and establish a support structure.

Our goal is to see you enjoy rewarding and long-term employment and ensure you have the right level of support to succeed.

Get in touch with our teams to find out more.


ADVICE & OTHER RESOURCES

Other advice that may help you find a job


How to find work with bipolar disorder

Work is important for our mental and financial wellbeing. However, when you are living with bipolar, finding the right job can be challenging.

Read more


Ways bipolar can affect your job (and how to manage it)

People living with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood changes which can impact their day to day life, including work.

Read more


Top 3 benefits of work for people with bipolar disorder

While we all experience different changes in our moods each day, some people's moods fluctuate up and down more frequently than usual.

Read more


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